News Flash

The Andrews Labour Goverment has landed yet another sporting coup for Geelong with a national footy carnival for masters players heading to Simonds Stadium.

Minister for Sport John Eren Joined Members for Geelong Christine Couzens at Kardinia Park today to announce funding to help stage the AFL Masters National Carnival at the iconic ground from 2-7 October this year.

Up to 1,500 players aged 30 and over, as well as 300 coaches from all states and territories, will travel to Geelong for the week long carnival. The average of participants is 47.

Since it was established in 1980, AFL Masters has grown to 119 teams from around Australia. it's designed for people to keep fit and above all have fun - weather they're a novice or footy stalwart.

Sporting coups like these mean serious business for Geelong - they strengthen the local economy and give visitors from around the country an opportunity to see all this region has to offer.

It's why the Labour Government is working to bring more big sporting events to regional Victoria to drive visitation, create jobs and keep local businesses busy.

With the final upgrade of Kardinia Park now on the horizon, fans can look forward to seeing more big-ticket blockbuster events and some of the worlds best athletes in their own backyard.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren

"Bringing the best mature footballers to Kardinia Park will inspire oyhers and reinforce that it's never too late to lace up the boots and play the sport you love."

"Hosting the AFL Masters is another major sporting coup for Geelong - delivering a fantastic boost for local tourism, jobs and the economy."

Quote attributable to Members for Geelong Christine Couzens

"With Simonds Stadium now the premier sporting arena in regional Australia, Geelong fans can look forward to even more big events in their own backyard."